Lamp using solid state source

ABSTRACT

A lamp includes a single string of light emitting diodes (LEDs), driven in common, configured to cause the lamp to emit a visible light output via a bulb. The lamp also includes a lighting industry standard lamp base, which has connectors arranged in a standard three-way lamp configuration, for providing electricity from a three-way lamp socket. Circuitry connected to receive electricity from the connectors of the lamp base as standard three-way control setting inputs drives the string of LEDs. The circuitry is configured to detect the standard three-way control setting inputs and to adjust the common drive to the string of LEDs to selectively produce a different visible light outputs of the lamp via the bulb responsive to the three-way control setting inputs. The lamp may also include nanophosphors pumped by emissions of the LEDs, so that the lamp produces a white light output of particularly desirable characteristics.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/310,518, filed on Jun. 20, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/915,909, filed on Jun. 12, 2013 (U.S.Pat. No. 8,760,051), which is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/040,395, filed on Mar. 4, 2011 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,749,131),which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/697,596,filed on Feb. 1, 2010 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,212,469), the contents of theentire disclosures of all of those applications being incorporatedherein entirely by reference.

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen a rapid expansion in the performance of solidstate lighting devices such as light emitting devices (LEDs); and withimproved performance, there has been an attendant expansion in thevariety of applications for such devices. For example, rapidimprovements in semiconductors and related manufacturing technologiesare driving a trend in the lighting industry toward the use of lightemitting diodes (LEDs) or other solid state light sources to producelight for general lighting applications to meet the need for moreefficient lighting technologies and to address ever increasing costs ofenergy along with concerns about global warming due to consumption offossil fuels to generate energy. LED solutions also are moreenvironmentally friendly than competing technologies, such as compactfluorescent lamps, for replacements for traditional incandescent lamps.

The actual solid state light sources, however, produce light of specificlimited spectral characteristics. To obtain white light of a desiredcharacteristic and/or other desirable light colors, one approach usessources that produce light of two or more different colors orwavelengths and one or more optical processing elements to combine ormix the light of the various wavelengths to produce the desiredcharacteristic in the output light. In recent years, techniques havealso been developed to shift or enhance the characteristics of lightgenerated by solid state sources using phosphors, including forgenerating white light using LEDs. Phosphor based techniques forgenerating white light from LEDs, currently favored by LEDmanufacturers, include UV or Blue LED pumped phosphors. In addition totraditional phosphors, semiconductor nanophosphors have been used morerecently. The phosphor materials may be provided as part of the LEDpackage (on or in close proximity to the actual semiconductor chip), orthe phosphor materials may be provided remotely (e.g. on or inassociation with a macro optical processing element such as a diffuseror reflector outside the LED package). The remote phosphor basedsolutions have advantages, for example, in that the colorcharacteristics of the fixture output are more repeatable, whereassolutions using sets of different color LEDs and/or lighting fixtureswith the phosphors inside the LED packages tend to vary somewhat inlight output color from fixture to fixture, due to differences in thelight output properties of different sets of LEDs (due to laxmanufacturing tolerances of the LEDs).

Hence, solid state lighting technologies have advanced considerably inrecent years, and such advances have encompassed any number of actualLED based lamp products as well as a variety of additional proposals forLED based lamps. However, there is still room for further improvement inthe context of solid state lamp products that are compatible withexisting standardized light sockets and therefore might be adopted asreplacements for conventional incandescent lamps, compact fluorescentlamps, or other similar older technology lamps.

For example, there is always a need for techniques to still furtherimprove efficiency of solid state lamps, to reduce energy consumption.Also, any new solution should provide a light output distribution thatgenerally conforms to that of the standard lamp it may replace, so as toprovide a light output of color, intensity and distribution that meetsor exceeds expectations arising from the older replaced technologies. Asanother example of a desirable characteristic for a solid state lamp,for general lighting applications, it is desirable to consistentlyprovide light outputs of acceptable characteristics (e.g. white light ofa desired color rendering index and/or color temperature) in aconsistent repeatable manner from one instance of a lamp product toanother.

Of course, to be commercially competitive with alternative lamptechnologies requires an elegant overall solution. For example, theproduct should be as simple as possible so as to allow relatively lowcost manufacturing. Relatively acceptable/pleasing form factors similarto those of well accepted incandescent lamps may be desirable. Solidstate devices have advantages of relatively high dependability and longlife. However, within the desired lamp form factor/configuration, thereare a variety of technical issues relating to use of solid state devicesthat still must be met, such as efficient electrical drive of the solidstate light emitters, efficient processing of the light for the desiredoutput and/or adequate dissipation of the heat that the solid statedevices generate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1 a cross-sectional view of a first example of a solid state lamp,for lighting applications, which uses a solid state source and one ormore doped nanophosphors pumped by energy from the source to producevisible light.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the LEDs and reflector of the lamp of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views of several alternate examplesof the glass bulb as may be used in place of the bulb in the exemplarylamp of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a color chart showing the black body curve and tolerancequadrangles along that curve for chromaticities corresponding to severaldesired color temperature ranges for lamps configured for white lightapplications.

FIG. 5 is a graph of absorption and emission spectra of a number ofdoped semiconductor nanophosphors.

FIG. 6A is a graph of emission spectra of three of the dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors selected for use in an exemplary solid statelight emitting lamp as well as the spectrum of the white light producedby combining the spectral emissions from those three phosphors.

FIG. 6B is a graph of emission spectra of four doped semiconductornanophosphors, in this case, for red, green, blue and yellow emissions,as well as the spectrum of the white light produced by combining thespectral emissions from those four phosphors.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a solid statelamp, in which the glass bulb forms a light transmissive glass enclosureenclosing a separate internal container for the material bearing thenanophosphors.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a solid state lamp,similar to that of FIG. 7, but in which the glass bulb enclosureprovides a form factor and output distribution of a R-lamp.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a solid state lamp,similar to that of FIG. 7, but in which the glass bulb enclosureprovides a form factor and output distribution of a Par-lamp.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a screw type lamp base, such as an Edison baseor a candelabra base.

FIG. 11 is an example of the LED and drive circuitry, for driving astring of LEDs from AC line current (rectified in this example, but notconverted to DC).

FIG. 12 is an example of the LED and drive circuitry, in which a LEDdriver converts AC to DC to drive the LEDs.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a three-way dimming screw type lamp base, suchas for a three-way mogul lamp base or a three-way medium lamp base.

FIG. 14 shows the LED and circuit arrangement for a three-way dimminglamp, using two different LED strings and associated drive circuitry,for driving two strings of LEDs from AC line current (rectified in thisexample, but not converted to DC).

FIG. 15 shows the LED and circuit arrangement for a three-way dimminglamp, using two different LED strings and two associated LED drivercircuits for converting AC to DC to drive the respective strings ofLEDs.

FIG. 16 shows the LED and circuit arrangement for a three-way dimminglamp, but using a single string of LEDs driven in common, where thecircuitry converts AC to DC but also is responsive to conventionalthree-way input switch settings to set corresponding drive levels fordriving the LED string.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilledin the art that the present teachings may be practiced without suchdetails. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components,and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, withoutdetail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the presentteachings.

The various examples of solid state lamps disclosed herein may be usedin common lighting fixtures, floor lamps and table lamps, or the like,e.g. as replacements for incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps.Reference now is made in detail to the examples illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and discussed below.

FIG. 1 illustrates the first example of a solid state lamp 10, in crosssection. The exemplary lamp 10 may be utilized in a variety of lightingapplications. The lamp, for example includes a solid state source forproducing electromagnetic energy. The solid state source is asemiconductor based structure for emitting electromagnetic energy of oneor more wavelengths within the range. In the example, the sourcecomprises one or more light emitting diode (LED) devices, although othersemiconductor devices might be used. Hence, in the example of FIG. 1,the source takes the form of a number of LEDs 11.

It is contemplated that the LEDs 11 could be of any type rated to emitenergy of wavelengths from the blue/green region around 460 nm down intothe UV range below 380 nm. As discussed below, the exemplarynanophosphors have absorption spectra having upper limits around 430 nm,although other doped semiconductor nanophosphors may have somewhathigher limits on the wavelength absorption spectra and therefore may beused with LEDs or other solid state devices rated for emittingwavelengths as high as say 460 nm. In the specific examples,particularly those for white light lamp applications, the LEDs 11 arenear UV LEDs rated for emission somewhere in the 380-420 nm range,although UV LEDs could be used alone or in combination with near UV LEDseven with the exemplary nanophosphors. A specific example of a near UVLED, used in several of the specific white lamp examples, is rated for405 nm emission.

The structure of a LED includes a semiconductor light emitting diodechip, within a package or enclosure. A transparent portion (typicallyformed of glass, plastic or the like), of the package that encloses thechip, allows for emission of the electromagnetic energy in the desireddirection. Many such source packages include internal reflectors todirect energy in the desired direction and reduce internal losses. EachLED 11 is rated for emission somewhere in the range at or below 460 nm.For a white light lamp application, the LEDs would be rated to emit nearUV electromagnetic energy of a wavelength in the 380-420 nm range, suchas 405 nm. Semiconductor devices such as the LEDs 11 exhibit emissionspectra having a relatively narrow peak at a predominant wavelength,although some such devices may have a number of peaks in their emissionspectra. Often, manufacturers rate such devices with respect to theintended wavelength of the predominant peak, although there is somevariation or tolerance around the rated value, from device to device.LED devices, such as devices 11, for use in a lamp 10, will have apredominant wavelength in the range at or below 460 nm. For example,each LED 11 in the example of FIG. 1 may rated for a 405 nm output,which means that it has a predominant peak in its emission spectra at orabout 405 nm (within the manufacturer's tolerance range of that ratedwavelength value). The lamp 10, however, may use devices that haveadditional peaks in their emission spectra. The structural configurationof the LEDs 11 of the solid state source is presented above by way ofexample only.

One or more doped semiconductor nanophosphors are used in the lamp 10 toconvert energy from the source into visible light of one or morewavelengths to produce a desired characteristic of the visible lightoutput of the lamp. The doped semiconductor nanophosphors are remotelydeployed, in that they are outside of the individual device packages orhousings of the LEDs 11. For this purpose, the exemplary lamp includes acontainer formed of optically transmissive material coupled to receivenear UV electromagnetic energy from the LEDs 11 forming the solid statesource. The container contains a material, which at least substantiallyfills the interior volume of the container. For example, if a liquid isused, there may be some gas in the container as well, although the gasshould not include oxygen as oxygen tends to degrade the nanophosphors.In this example, the lamp includes at least one doped semiconductornanophosphor dispersed in the material in the container.

The material may be a solid, although liquid or gaseous materials mayhelp to improve the florescent emissions by the nanophosphors in thematerial. For example, alcohol, oils (synthetic, vegetable, silicon orother oils) or other liquid media may be used. A silicone material,however, may be cured to form a hardened material, at least along theexterior (to possibly serve as an integral container), or to form asolid throughout the intended volume. If hardened silicon is used,however, a glass container still may be used to provide an oxygenbarrier to reduce nanophosphor degradation due to exposure to oxygen.

If a gas is used, the gaseous material, for example, may be hydrogengas, any of the inert gases, and possibly some hydrocarbon based gases.Combinations of one or more such types of gases might be used.

Hence, although the material in the container may be a solid, furtherdiscussion of the examples will assume use of a liquid or gaseousmaterial. The lamp 10 in the first example includes a glass bulb 13. Insome later examples, there is a separate container, and the glass bulbencloses the container. In this first example, however, the glass of thebulb 13 serves as the container. The container wall(s) are transmissivewith respect to at least a substantial portion of the visible lightspectrum. For example, the glass of the bulb 13 will be thick enough (asrepresented by the wider lines), to provide ample strength to contain aliquid or gas material if used to bear the doped semiconductornanophosphors in suspension, as shown at 15. However, the material ofthe bulb will allow transmissive entry of energy from the LEDs 11 toreach the nanophosphors in the material 15 and will allow transmissiveoutput of visible light principally from the excited nanophosphors.

The glass bulb/container 13 receives energy from the LEDs 11 through asurface of the bulb, referred to here as an optical input couplingsurface 13 c. The example shows the surface 13 c as a flat surface,although obviously outer contours may be used. Light output from thelamp 10 emerges through one or more other surfaces of the bulb 13,referred to here as output surface 13 o. In the example, the bulb 13here is glass, although other appropriate transmissive materials may beused. For a diffuse outward appearance of the bulb, the outputsurface(s) 13 o may be frosted white or translucent, although theoptical input coupling surface 13 c might still be transparent to reducereflection of energy from the LEDs 11 back towards the LEDs.Alternatively, the output surface 13 o may be transparent.

For some lighting applications where a single color is desirable ratherthan white, the lamp might use a single type of nanophosphor in thematerial. For a yellow ‘bug lamp’ type application, for example, the onenanophosphor would be of a type that produces yellow emission inresponse to pumping energy from the LEDs. For a red lamp typeapplication, as another example, the one nanophosphor would be of a typethat produces predominantly red light emission in response to pumpingenergy from the LEDs. The upper limits of the absorption spectra of theexemplary nanophosphors are all at or around 430 nm, therefore, the LEDsused in such a monochromatic lamp would emit energy in a wavelengthrange of 430 nm and below. In many examples, the lamp produces whitelight of desirable characteristics using a number of doped semiconductornanophosphors, and further discussion of the examples including that ofFIG. 1 will concentrate on such white light implementations.

Hence for further discussion, we will assume that the container formedby the glass bulb 13 is at least substantially filled with a liquid orgaseous material 15 bearing a number of different doped semiconductornanophosphors dispersed in the liquid or gaseous material 15. Also, forfurther discussion, we will assume that the LEDs 11 are near UV emittingLEDs, such as 405 nm LEDs or other types of LEDs rated to emit somewherein the wavelength range of 380-420 nm. Each of the doped semiconductornanophosphors is of a type excited in response to near UVelectromagnetic energy from the LEDs 11 of the solid state source. Whenso excited, each doped semiconductor nanophosphor re-emits visible lightof a different spectrum. However, each such emission spectrum hassubstantially no overlap with absorption spectra of the dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors. When excited by the electromagnetic energyreceived from the LEDs 11, the doped semiconductor nanophosphorstogether produce visible light output for the lamp 10 through theexterior surface(s) of the glass bulb 13.

The liquid or gaseous material 15 with the doped semiconductornanophosphors dispersed therein appears at least substantially clearwhen the lamp 10 is off. For example, alcohol, oils (synthetic,vegetable or other oils) or other clear liquid media may be used, or theliquid material may be a relatively clear hydrocarbon based compound orthe like. Exemplary gases include hydrogen gas, clear inert gases andclear hydrocarbon based gases. The doped semiconductor nanophosphors inthe specific examples described below absorb energy in the near UV andUV ranges. The upper limits of the absorption spectra of the exemplarynanophosphors are all at or around 430 nm, however, the exemplarynanophosphors are relatively insensitive to other ranges of visiblelight often found in natural or other ambient white visible light.Hence, when the lamp 10 is off, the doped semiconductor nanophosphorsexhibit little or no light emissions that might otherwise be perceivedas color by a human observer. Even though not emitting, the particles ofthe doped semiconductor nanophosphors may have some color, but due totheir small size and dispersion in the material, the overall effect isthat the material 15 appears at least substantially clear to the humanobserver, that is to say it has little or no perceptible tint.

The LEDs 11 are mounted on a circuit board 17. The exemplary lamp 10also includes circuitry 19. Although drive from DC sources iscontemplated for use in existing DC lighting systems, the examplesdiscussed in detail utilize circuitry configured for driving the LEDs 11in response to alternating current electricity, such as from the typicalAC main lines. The circuitry may be on the same board 17 as the LEDs ordisposed separately within the lamp 10 and electrically connected to theLEDs 11. Electrical connections of the circuitry 19 to the LEDs and thelamp base are omitted here for simplicity. Several examples of the drivecircuitry 19 are discussed later with regard to FIGS. 11, 12 and 14-16.

A housing 21 at least encloses the circuitry 19. In the example, thehousing 21 together with a lamp base 23 and a face of the glass bulb 13also enclose the LEDs 11. The lamp 10 has a lighting industry standardlamp base 23 mechanically connected to the housing and electricallyconnected to provide alternating current electricity to the circuitry 19for driving the LEDs 11.

The lamp base 23 may be any common standard type of lamp base, to permituse of the lamp 10 in a particular type of lamp socket. Common examplesinclude an Edison base, a mogul base, a candelabra base and a bi-pinbase. The lamp base may have electrical connections for a singleintensity setting or additional contacts in support of three-wayintensity setting/dimming.

The exemplary lamp 10 of FIG. 1 may include one or more featuresintended to prompt optical efficiency. Hence, as illustrated, the lamp10 includes a diffuse reflector 25. The circuit board 17 has a surfaceon which the LEDs 11 are mounted, so as to face toward the lightreceiving surface of the glass bulb 13 containing the nanophosphorbearing material 15. The reflector 25 covers parts of that surface ofthe circuit board 17 in one or more regions between the LEDs 11. FIG. 2is a view of the LEDs 11 and the reflector 25. When excited, thenanophosphors in the material 15 emit light in many differentdirections, and at least some of that light would be directed backtoward the LEDs 11 and the circuit board 17. The diffuse reflector 25helps to redirect much of that light back through the glass bulb 13 forinclusion in the output light distribution.

The lamp 10 may use one or any number of LEDs 11 sufficient to provide adesired output intensity. The example of FIG. 2 shows seven LEDs 11,although the lamp 10 may have more or less LEDs than in that example.

There may be some air gap between the emitter outputs of the LEDs 11 andthe facing optical coupling surface 13 c of the glass bulb container 13(FIG. 1). However, to improve out-coupling of the energy from the LEDs11 into the light transmissive glass of the bulb 13, it may be helpfulto provide an optical grease, glue or gel 27 between the surface 13 c ofthe glass bulb 13 and the optical outputs of the LEDs 11. This indexmatching material 27 eliminates any air gap and provides refractiveindex matching relative to the material of the glass bulb container 13.

The examples also encompass technologies to provide good heatconductivity so as to facilitate dissipation of heat generated duringoperation of the LEDs 11. Hence, the exemplary lamp 10 includes one ormore elements forming a heat dissipater within the housing for receivingand dissipating heat produced by the LEDs 11. Active dissipation,passive dissipation or a combination thereof may be used. The lamp 10 ofFIG. 1, for example, includes a thermal interface layer 31 abutting asurface of the circuit board 17, which conducts heat from the LEDs andthe board to a heat sink arrangement 33 shown by way of example as anumber of fins within the housing 21. The housing 21 also has one ormore openings or air vents 35, for allowing passage of air through thehousing 21, to dissipate heat from the fins of the heat sink 33.

The thermal interface layer 31, the heat sink 33 and the vents 35 arepassive elements in that they do not consume additional power as part oftheir respective heat dissipation functions. However, the lamp 10 mayinclude an active heat dissipation element that draws power to cool orotherwise dissipate heat generated by operations of the LEDs 11.Examples of active cooling elements include fans, Peltier devices or thelike. The lamp 10 of FIG. 1 utilizes one or more membronic coolingelements. A membronic cooling element comprises a membrane that vibratesin response to electrical power to produce an airflow. An example of amembronic cooling element is a SynJet® sold by Nuventix. In the exampleof FIG. 1, the membronic cooling element 37 operates like a fan or airjet for circulating air across the heat sink 33 and through the airvents 35.

In the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1, white light from thesemiconductor nanophosphor excitation is dispersed upwards andlaterally, for example, for omni-directional lighting of a room from atable or floor lamp. The orientation shown, however, is purelyillustrative. The lamp 10 may be oriented in any other directionappropriate for the desired lighting application, including downward,any sideways direction, various intermediate angles, etc.

In the example of FIG. 1, the glass bulb 13, containing the material 15with the doped semiconductor nanophosphors produces a wide dispersion ofoutput light, which is relatively omni-directional (except directlydownward in the illustrated orientation). Such a light output intensitydistribution corresponds to that currently offered by A-lamps. Otherbulb/container structures, however, may be used; and a few examples arepresented in FIGS. 3A to 3C. FIG. 3A shows a globe-and-stem arrangementfor A-Lamp type omni-directional lighting. FIGS. 3B and 3C show R-lampand Par-lamp style bulbs for different directed lighting applications.As represented by the double lines, some internal surfaces of thedirectional bulbs may be reflective, to promote the desired outputdistributions.

The lamp 10 of FIG. 1 has one of several industry standard lamp bases23, shown in the illustration as a type of screw-in base. The glass bulb13 exhibits a form factor within standard size, and the outputdistribution of light emitted via the bulb 13 conforms to industryaccepted specifications, for a particular type of lamp product. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects of the lamp 10facilitate use of the lamp as a replacement for existing lamps, such asincandescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps.

The housing 21, the base 23 and components contained in the housing 21can be combined with a bulb/container in one of a variety of differentshapes. As such, these elements together may be described as a ‘lightengine’ portion of the lamp for generating the near UV energy.Theoretically, the engine and bulb could be modular in design to allow auser to interchange glass bulbs, but in practice the lamp is an integralproduct. The light engine may be standardized across several differentlamp product lines. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 3, housing 21, thebase 23 and components contained in the housing 21 could be the same forA-lamps (bulb of FIG. 1 or bulb of FIG. 3A), R-lamps (bulb of FIG. 3B),Par-lamps (bulb of FIG. 3C) or other styles of lamps. A different basecan be substituted for the screw base 23 shown in FIG. 1, to produce alamp product configured for a different socket design.

As outlined above, the lamp 10 will include or have associated therewithremote semiconductor nanophosphors in a container that is external tothe LEDs 11 of the solid state source. As such, the phosphors arelocated apart from the semiconductor chip of the LEDs 11 used in theparticular lamp 10, that is to say remotely deployed.

The semiconductor nanophosphors are dispersed, e.g. in suspension, in aliquid or gaseous material 15, within a container (bulb 13 in the lamp10 of FIG. 1). The liquid or gaseous medium preferably exhibits hightransmissivity and/or low absorption to light of the relevantwavelengths, although it may be transparent or somewhat translucent.Although alcohol, oils (synthetic, vegetable, silicon or other oils) orother media may be used, in the example of FIG. 1, the medium may be ahydrocarbon material, in either a liquid or gaseous state.

In an example of a white light type lamp, the doped semiconductornanophosphors in the material shown at 15 are of types or configurations(e.g. selected types of doped semiconductor nanophosphors) excitable bythe near UV energy from LEDs 11 forming the solid state source.Together, the excited nanophosphors produce output light that is atleast substantially white and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 75 orhigher. The lamp output light produced by this near UV excitation of thesemiconductor nanophosphors exhibits color temperature in one of severaldesired ranges along the black body curve. Different light lamps 10designed for different color temperatures of white output light woulduse different formulations of mixtures of doped semiconductornanophosphors. The white output light of the lamp 10 exhibits colortemperature in one of four specific ranges along the black body curvelisted in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Nominal Color Temperatures and Corresponding Color TemperatureRanges Nominal Color Color Temp. Temp. (° Kelvin) Range (° Kelvin) 27002725 ± 145 3000 3045 ± 175 3500 3465 ± 245 4000 3985 ± 275

In Table 1, each nominal color temperature value represents the rated oradvertised temperature as would apply to particular lamp products havingan output color temperature within the corresponding range. The colortemperature ranges fall along the black body curve. FIG. 4 shows theoutline of the CIE 1931 color chart, and the curve across a portion ofthe chart represents a section of the black body curve that includes thedesired CIE color temperature (CCT) ranges. The light may also varysomewhat in terms of chromaticity from the coordinates on the black bodycurve. The quadrangles shown in the drawing represent the respectiveranges of chromaticity for the nominal CCT values. Each quadrangle isdefined by the range of CCT and the distance from the black body curve.Table 2 below provides chromaticity specifications for the four colortemperature ranges. The x, y coordinates define the center points on theblack body curve and the vertices of the tolerance quadranglesdiagrammatically illustrated in the color chart of FIG. 4.

TABLE 2 Chromaticity Specification for the Four Nominal Values/CCTRanges CCT Range 2725 ± 145 3045 ± 175 3465 ± 245 3985 ± 275 Nominal CCT2700° K 3000° K 3500° K 4000° K x y x y x y x y Center point 0.45780.4101 0.4338 0.4030 0.4073 0.3917 0.3818 0.3797 0.4813 0.4319 0.45620.4260 0.4299 0.4165 0.4006 0.4044 Tolerance 0.4562 0.426 0.4299 0.41650.3996 0.4015 0.3736 0.3874 Quadrangle 0.4373 0.3893 0.4147 0.38140.3889 0.369 0.367 0.3578 0.4593 0.3944 0.4373 0.3893 0.4147 0.38140.3898 0.3716

The solid state lamp 10 could use a variety of different combinations ofsemiconductor nanophosphors to produce such an output. Examples ofsuitable materials are available from NN Labs of Fayetteville, Ark. In aspecific example, one or more of the doped semiconductor nanophosphorscomprise zinc selenide quantum dots doped with manganese or copper. Suchnanophosphors may be provided in a silicone medium or in a hydrocarbonmedium. The medium may be in a liquid or gaseous state. The selection ofone or more such nanophosphors excited mainly by the low end (near UV)of the visible spectrum together with dispersion of the nanophosphors inan otherwise clear liquid or gas minimizes any potential fordiscoloration of the lamp 10 in its off-state that might otherwise becaused by the presence of a phosphor material.

Doped semiconductor nanophosphors exhibit a large Stokes shift, that isto say from a short-wavelength range of absorbed energy up to a fairlywell separated longer-wavelength range of emitted light. FIG. 5 showsthe absorption and emission spectra of three examples of dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors. Each line of the graph also includes anapproximation of the emission spectra of the 405 nm LED chip, to helpillustrate the relationship of the 405 nm near UV LED emissions to theabsorption spectra of the exemplary doped semiconductor nanophosphors.The illustrated spectra are not drawn precisely to scale but in a mannerto provide a teaching example to illuminate our discussion here.

The top line (a) of the graph shows the absorption and emission spectrafor an orange emitting doped semiconductor nanophosphor. The absorptionspectrum for this first phosphor includes the 380-420 nm near UV range,but that absorption spectrum drops substantially to 0 before reaching450 nm. As noted, the phosphor exhibits a large Stokes shift from theshort wavelength(s) of absorbed light to the longer wavelengths ofre-emitted light. The emission spectrum of this first phosphor has afairly broad peak in the wavelength region humans perceive as orange. Ofnote, the emission spectrum of this first phosphor is well above theillustrated absorption spectra of the other doped semiconductornanophosphors and well above its own absorption spectrum. As a result,orange emissions from the first doped semiconductor nanophosphor wouldnot re-excite that phosphor and would not excite the other dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors if mixed together. Stated another way, theorange phosphor emissions would be subject to little or no phosphorre-absorption, even in mixtures containing one or more of the otherdoped semiconductor nanophosphors.

The next line (b) of the graph in FIG. 5 shows the absorption andemission spectra for a green emitting doped semiconductor nanophosphor.The absorption spectrum for this second phosphor includes the 380-420 nmnear UV range, but that absorption spectrum drops substantially to 0 alittle below 450 nm. This phosphor also exhibits a large Stokes shiftfrom the short wavelength(s) of absorbed light to the longer wavelengthsof re-emitted light. The emission spectrum of this second phosphor has abroad peak in the wavelength region humans perceive as green. Again, theemission spectrum of the phosphor is well above the illustratedabsorption spectra of the other doped semiconductor nanophosphors andwell above its own absorption spectrum. As a result, green emissionsfrom the second doped semiconductor nanophosphor would not re-excitethat phosphor and would not excite the other doped semiconductornanophosphors if mixed together. Stated another way, the green phosphoremissions also should be subject to little or no phosphor re-absorption,even in mixtures containing one or more of the other doped semiconductornanophosphors.

The bottom line (c) of the graph shows the absorption and emissionspectra for a blue emitting doped semiconductor nanophosphor. Theabsorption spectrum for this third phosphor includes the 380-420 nm nearUV range, but that absorption spectrum drops substantially to 0 between400 and 450 nm. This phosphor also exhibits a large Stokes shift fromthe short wavelength(s) of absorbed light to the longer wavelengths ofre-emitted light.

The emission spectrum of this third phosphor has a broad peak in thewavelength region humans perceive as blue. The main peak of the emissionspectrum of the phosphor is well above the illustrated absorptionspectra of the other doped semiconductor nanophosphors and well aboveits own absorption spectrum. In the case of the blue example, there isjust a small amount of emissions in the region of the phosphorabsorption spectra. As a result, blue emissions from the third dopedsemiconductor nanophosphor would re-excite that phosphor at most aminimal amount. As in the other phosphor examples of FIG. 5, the bluephosphor emissions would be subject to relatively little phosphorre-absorption, even in mixtures containing one or more of the otherdoped semiconductor nanophosphors.

Examples of suitable orange, green and blue emitting doped semiconductornanophosphors of the types generally described above relative to FIG. 5are available from NN Labs of Fayetteville, Ark.

As explained above, the large Stokes shift results in negligiblere-absorption of the visible light emitted by doped semiconductornanophosphors. This allows the stacking of multiple phosphors. Itbecomes practical to select and mix two, three or more such phosphors ina manner that produces a particular desired spectral characteristic inthe combined light output generated by the phosphor emissions.

FIG. 6A graphically depicts emission spectra of three of the dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors selected for use in an exemplary solid statelight lamp as well as the spectrum of the white light produced bysumming or combining the spectral emissions from those three phosphors.For convenience, the emission spectrum of the LED has been omitted fromFIG. 6A, on the assumption that a high percentage of the 405 nm lightfrom the LED is absorbed by the phosphors. Although the actual outputemissions from the lamp may include some near UV light from the LED, thecontribution thereof if any to the sum in the output spectrum should berelatively small.

Although other combinations are possible based on the phosphorsdiscussed above relative to FIG. 5 or based on other doped semiconductornanophosphor materials, the example of FIG. 6A represents emissions ofblue, green and orange phosphors. The emission spectra of the blue,green and orange emitting doped semiconductor nanophosphors are similarto those of the corresponding color emissions shown in FIG. 5. Light isadditive. Where the solid state lamp 10 includes the blue, green andorange emitting doped semiconductor nanophosphors as shown for exampleat 15 in FIG. 1, the addition of the blue, green and orange emissionsproduces a combined spectrum as approximated by the top or ‘Sum’ curvein the graph of FIG. 6A, for output from the glass bulb 13.

It is possible to add one or more additional nanophosphors, e.g. afourth, fifth, etc., to the mixture to further improve the CRI. Forexample, to improve the CRI of the nanophosphor mix of FIGS. 5 and 6A, adoped semiconductor nanophosphor might be added to the mix with a broademissions spectrum that is yellowish-green or greenish-yellow, that isto say with a peak of the phosphor emissions somewhere in the range of540-570 nm, say at 555 nm.

Other mixtures also are possible, with two, three or more dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors. The example of FIG. 6B uses red, green andblue emitting semiconductor nanophosphors, as well as a yellow fourthdoped semiconductor nanophosphor. Although not shown, the absorptionspectra would be similar to those of the three nanophosphors discussedabove relative to FIG. 5. For example, each absorption spectrum wouldinclude at least a portion of the 380-420 nm near UV range. All fourphosphors would exhibit a large Stokes shift from the shortwavelength(s) of absorbed light to the longer wavelengths of re-emittedlight, and thus their emissions spectra have little or no overlap withthe absorption spectra.

In this example (FIG. 6B), the blue nanophosphor exhibits an emissionpeak at or around 484, nm, the green nanophosphor exhibits an emissionpeak at or around 516 nm, the yellow nanophosphor exhibits an emissionpeak at or around 580, and the red nanophosphor exhibits an emissionpeak at or around 610 nm. The addition of these blue, green, red andyellow phosphor emissions produces a combined spectrum as approximatedby the top or ‘Sum’ curve in the graph of FIG. 6B. The ‘Sum’ curve inthe graph represents a resultant white light output having a colortemperature of 2600° Kelvin (within the 2,725±145° Kelvin range), wherethat white output light also would have a CRI of 88 (higher than 75).

Various mixtures of doped semiconductor nanophosphors will produce whitelight emissions from solid state lamps 10 that exhibit CRI of 75 orhigher. For an intended lamp specification, a particular mixture of suchnanophosphors is chosen so that the light output of the lamp exhibitscolor temperature in one of the following specific ranges along theblack body curve: 2,725±145° Kelvin; 3,045±175° Kelvin; 3,465±245°Kelvin; and 3,985±275° Kelvin. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the‘Sum’ curve in the graph produced by the mixture of blue, green andorange emitting doped semiconductor nanophosphors would result in awhite light output having a color temperature of 2800° Kelvin (withinthe 2,725±145° Kelvin range). That white output light also would have aCRI of 80 (higher than 75).

The lamps under consideration here may utilize a variety of differentstructural arrangements. In the example of FIG. 1, the glass bulb 13also served as the container for the material 15 bearing the dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors. For some applications and/or manufacturingtechniques, it may be desirable to utilize a separate container for thedoped semiconductor nanophosphors and enclose the container within abulb (glass or the like) that provides a particular form factor andoutward light bulb appearance and light distribution. It may be helpfulto consider some examples of this later lamp configuration.

FIGS. 7-9 depict several examples of solid state lamps, in each of whichthe glass bulb forms a light transmissive glass enclosure enclosing aseparate internal container for the material bearing the dopedsemiconductor nanophosphors. Many of the elements in these examples arethe same as like numbered elements in the example of FIG. 1 and areimplemented and/or operate in the various ways discussed above.

The lamp 130 of FIG. 7, for example, includes the housing 21, the base23 and components contained in the housing 21 that form the ‘lightengine’ portion of the lamp for generating the near UV energy, 405 nm inthe specific example. The near UV energy pump doped semiconductornanophosphors dispersed or in suspension in a gas or liquid material, asshown at 15, as in the example of FIG. 1.

In the example of FIG. 7, however, the lamp 130 includes container 131,which contains the nanophosphor bearing material 15. The container 131may be glass. The container 131 is transmissive with respect to at leasta substantial portion of the visible light, however, the materialforming the container walls will be thick enough (as represented by thewider lines), to provide ample strength to contain the liquid or gasmaterial that bears the doped semiconductor nanophosphors in suspension,as shown at 15. The material of the container 131 will allowtransmissive entry of near UV light to reach the nanophosphors in thematerial 15 and will allow transmissive output of visible lightprincipally from the excited nanophosphors.

The container 131 receives near UV energy from the LEDs 11 through asurface of the container, referred to here as an optical input couplingsurface 131 c. The example shows the surface 131 c as a flat surface,although obviously other contours may be used. The optical inputcoupling surface 13 c might be transparent to reduce reflection of nearUV energy from the LEDs 11 back towards the LEDs. The surface orsurfaces through which the light emerges from the container 131 may befrosted or translucent, but typically are transparent to maximize outputefficiency. The container 131 may have a variety of shapes, for ease ofmanufacturing and/or to promote a desired distribution of light outputfrom the lamp when combined with a particular configuration of theassociated bulb.

Light from the material 15 passes out through the container wall, mainlyinto the interior of the bulb 133. The bulb 133 in this example isglass, but could be formed of other materials. Light output from thelamp 130 emerges through one or more outer surfaces of the bulb 133,referred to here as output surface 133 o. For a diffuse outwardappearance of the bulb, the output surface(s) 133 o may be frosted whiteor translucent, although that portion of the bulb could be transparent.

The outer shape of the bulb 133 fits within the permissible dimensionsfor an industry standard type of lamp, such as an A-lamp in the exampleof FIG. 7. The bulb and/or container are configured to produce a lightoutput distribution in accord with the appropriate industry standard. Inthe A-lamp example, the light output is relatively omni-directional(except directly downward in the illustrated orientation).

FIG. 8 depicts an example of a solid state lamp 150, similar to the lampof FIG. 7, but which provides a form factor and output distribution of aR-lamp. Like the lamp of FIG. 7, however, the lamp 150 includescontainer as shown at 143, which contains the nanophosphor bearingmaterial 15. The container 143 may be glass or other material. Thecontainer 143 is transmissive with respect to at least a substantialportion of the visible light, however, the material forming thecontainer walls will be thick enough (as represented by the widerlines), to provide ample strength to contain the liquid or gas materialthat bears the doped semiconductor nanophosphors in suspension, as shownat 15. The material of the container 143 will allow transmissive entryof near UV light to reach the nanophosphors in the material 15 and willallow transmissive output of visible light principally from the excitednanophosphors.

The container 143 receives near UV energy from the LEDs 11 through asurface of the container, referred to here as an optical input couplingsurface 143 c. The example of FIG. 8 shows the surface 131 c as a flatsurface, although obviously other contours may be used. The opticalinput coupling surface 143 c might be transparent to reduce reflectionof near UV energy from the LEDs 11 back towards the LEDs. The surfacesthrough which the light emerges from the container may be frosted ortranslucent, but typically are transparent to maximize outputefficiency. The container 143 may have a variety of shapes, for ease ofmanufacturing and/or to promote a desired distribution of light outputfrom the lamp. In the example of FIG. 8, the container 143 has a shapeto fit into and extend through the neck of a bulb 153 having a R-lampbulb shape.

Light from the material 15 passes out through the container wall, mainlyinto the interior of the bulb 153. The bulb 153 in this example isglass, but could be formed of other materials. The bulb 153 provides adirected light output distribution. For that purpose, side surfaces ofthe neck and angled region of the bulb are reflective, for example, theyare coated with a reflective material 153 r (represented by the doublesidewall lines). Light output from the lamp 150 emerges through one ormore outer surfaces of the bulb 153, referred to here as output surface153 o. For the R-lamp configuration of FIG. 8, the surface 153 o willhave a slight outward curvature and provide a diffuse outwardappearance, so as to diffuse some light out laterally a bit beyond theangles formed by the reflective sidewall surfaces of the bulb 153. Theouter shape of the bulb 153 fits within the permissible dimensions foran industry standard type of lamp, such as a R-lamp in the example ofFIG. 8. The bulb and/or container are configured to produce a lightoutput distribution in accord with the R-lamp industry standard.

FIG. 9 depicts an example of a solid state lamp 160, similar to the lampof FIG. 7, but which provides a form factor and output distribution of aPar-lamp. Like the lamp of FIG. 8, the lamp 160 includes a container 143enclosed by a bulb, where the container conforms to and extends throughthe neck of the bulb. The bulb 163 is similar to the bulb 153 in that ithas a reflective coating 163 r on inner surfaces of the neck and angledregion to provide a directed light output. However, the light outputsurface of the Par-lamp bulb 163 o is relatively flat and typically istransparent. The lamp 160 and the component parts thereof areconstructed and operate in much the same was as in the earlier examples.The container 143 has a shape to fit into and extend through the neck ofa bulb 153 having a Par-lamp bulb shape. The Par-lamp bulb configurationprovides a directed light output distribution substantially defined bythe angle(s) of the reflective angled surfaces of the bulb 163,essentially as produced by an industry standard Par-lamp.

In the example of FIG. 9, since the output surface 163 o may be clear ortransparent, the container 143 may be visible from outside the lamp whenthe lamp 160 is off. As discussed earlier, however, the dispersion ofnanophosphors in liquid or gaseous material in suspension at 15 is clearor transparent to human perception when the lamp is off.

The various lamps shown and discussed in the examples are adaptable to avariety of standard lamp sockets and attendant switch and/or dimmingconfigurations. For these different lamp applications, the lampsincorporate somewhat different forms of the drive circuitry 19. It maybe helpful to consider a few different examples of appropriatecircuitry.

For many lamp applications, the existing lamp socket provides twoelectrical connections for AC mains power. The lamp base in turn isconfigured to mate with those electrical connections. FIG. 10 is a planview of a two connection screw type lamp base 223, such as an Edisonbase or a candelabra base. As shown, the base 223 has a center contacttip 225 for connection to one of the AC main lines. The threaded screwsection of the base 223 is formed of metal and provides a second outerAC contact at 227, sometimes referred to as neutral or ground because itis the outer casing element. The tip 225 and screw thread contact 227are separated by an insulator region (shown in gray).

Depending on the type of LEDs selected for use in a particular lampproduct design, the LEDs may be driven by AC current, typicallyrectified; or the LEDs may be driven by a DC current after rectificationand regulation. FIG. 11 is an example of the LED and drive circuitry,for driving a string of LEDs from AC line current (rectified in thisexample, but not converted to DC). Such an implementation may use highvoltage LEDs, such as the Seoul A4 LEDs.

In this example, the tip 225 connects one side of the AC line to onenode of a four diode bridge rectifier BR2, and the neutral outer ACcontact at 227 connects the other side of the AC line to the oppositenode of the bridge rectifier BR2. The exemplary circuit also includes aprotection fuse F1. The other two nodes of the bridge rectifier BR2provide rectified AC current to one or more LEDs forming seriesconnected string. A resistor R2 between one bridge node and the LEDstring limits the current to a level appropriate to the power capacityof the particular LED string.

By way of another example, the LED drive circuitry may be configured forconverting AC to DC current and driving the LEDs with the DC current.FIG. 12 is a combination circuit diagram and functional block diagramexample of the LED and drive circuitry, in which a LED driver convertsAC to DC to drive the LEDs.

The lamp would include a base like 223 shown in FIG. 10. In thecircuitry of FIG. 12, the tip 225 connects one side of the AC linethrough an inductor filter A to one node of a four diode bridgerectifier BR1. The neutral outer AC contact at 227 connects the otherside of the AC line through a fuse F1 to the opposite node of the bridgerectifier BR1. The other two nodes of the bridge rectifier BR1 providerectified AC current to a diode and capacitor circuit (D1, C1) whichregulate the current to provide DC. An LED driver adjusts the DC currentto the level appropriate to power the string of LEDs. A variety of LEDdrivers of the type generally represented in block diagram form in FIG.12 are available on the market and suitable for use in lamps of the typeunder discussion here.

The lamps discussed here are also adaptable for use in lamp socketshaving conventional three-way dimming control settings. For a three-waydimming lamp application, the existing lamp socket provides threeelectrical connections for AC mains power. One connection is a neutralor common/ground connection. The other two connections are selectivelyconnected to the other line of the AC mains, a first for low, a secondfor medium and combination of those two for a high setting. The lampbase for a three-way dimmable lamp product is configured to mate withthose electrical connections of the switch control and socket.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a three-way dimming type lamp base. Althoughother base configurations are possible, the example is that for ascrew-in base 323 as might be used in a three-way mogul lamp or athree-way medium lamp base. As shown, the base 323 has a center contacttip 325 for a low power connection to one of the AC main lines. Thethree-way base 323 also has a lamp socket ring connector 329 separatedfrom the tip 325 by an insulator region (shown in gray). A threadedscrew section of the base 323 is formed of metal and provides a secondouter AC contact at 327, sometimes referred to as neutral or groundbecause it is the outer casing element. The socket ring connector 329and the screw thread contact 327 are separated by an insulator region(shown in gray).

Various types of circuitry can be used to connect to the AC powerthrough a three-way lamp base like 323 and provide current to drive theLEDs, so that the lamp product provides three corresponding light outputlevels. Several examples are shown in FIGS. 14-16. In each example, thecircuitry is configured and connected to the LEDs to provide threedifferent light levels for the output for the lamp in response tothree-way dimming control setting inputs.

FIG. 14 shows the LED and circuit arrangement for a three-way dimminglamp, using two different LED strings and associated drive circuitry,for driving two strings of LEDs from AC line current (rectified in thisexample, but not converted to DC).

In the example of FIG. 14, the LEDs are configured as two groups, stringA and string B. In such an implementation, each string of LEDs may usehigh voltage LEDs, such as the Seoul A4 LEDs. The first group string Ahas a first number of one or more LEDs, whereas the other group string Bhas a second number of LEDs larger than the first number. Is this way,when string A is powered but B is not, the lamp exhibits a first lowpower light output; however, when string B is powered but A is not, thelamp exhibits a second somewhat higher power light output. Applyingpower simultaneously to both strings provides a third highest powerlight output.

As noted, the LEDs of the example of FIG. 14 are driven off the ACwithout conversion to DC. For LED string A, the tip 325 connects oneside of the AC line to one node of a first four diode bridge rectifierBR1, and the neutral outer AC contact at 327 connects the other side ofthe AC line to the opposite node of the bridge rectifier BR1. For LEDstring A, the lamp socket ring connector 329 connects one side of the ACline to one node of a four diode bridge rectifier BR2, and the neutralouter AC contact at 327 connects the other side of the AC line to theopposite node of the bridge rectifier BR2. The exemplary circuit alsoincludes a protection fuse F1.

The other two nodes of the first bridge rectifier BR1 provide rectifiedAC current to one or more LEDs forming the series connected LED stringA. A resistor R1 between one bridge node and the LED string A limits thecurrent to a level appropriate to the power capacity of the particularLED string A. Similarly, the other two nodes of the bridge rectifier BR2provide rectified AC current to one or more LEDs forming the seriesconnected LED string B. A resistor R2 between one bridge node and theLED string limits the current to a level appropriate to the powercapacity of the particular LED string B.

Lamp output is proportional to the light generated by the LEDs in thelamp.

In lamp operation, when a user sets the socket switch to a low three-waysetting, the socket connects the tip 325 and the neutral contact 327 tothe AC lines. This applies rectified power through BR1 and R1 to LEDstring A. There is no connection through ring 329 to BR2 and thus LEDstring B remains off. Hence, the circuit responds to a standard lowthree-way control setting input to turn on the one group of LEDs—stringA—while keeping the other group of LEDs—string B—off. String A has thelower number of LEDs and therefore produces the smaller amount of nearUV light to pump the nanophosphors, and the lamp provides a low levellight output.

When a user sets the socket switch to the medium three-way setting, thesocket connects the contact ring 329 and the neutral contact 327 to theAC lines. This applies rectified power through BR2 and R2 to LED stringB. There is no connection through the tip 325 to BR1 and thus LED stringA remains off. Hence, the circuit responds to a standard mediumthree-way control setting input to turn on the second group ofLEDs—string B—while keeping the first group of LEDs—string A—off. StringB has more LEDs than string A and therefore produces more near UV lightto pump the nanophosphors, and the lamp provides a medium level lightoutput.

When a user sets the socket switch to the high three-way setting, thesocket connects the tip 325 and the neutral contact 327 to the AC linesand concurrently connects the contact ring 329 and the neutral contact327 to the AC lines. Power is applied to both LED strings A and Bsimultaneously. Hence, the circuit driving the LEDs in FIG. 14 respondsto a standard high three-way control setting input to concurrently turnon both groups of LEDs. The combined amount of near UV from the two LEDstrings pumps the nanophosphors with greater energy, and the lampprovides a high intensity light output.

FIG. 15 shows the LED and circuit arrangement for a three-way dimminglamp, using two different LED strings and two associated LED drivercircuits for converting AC to DC to drive the respective strings ofLEDs. In the example of FIG. 15, like that of FIG. 14, the LEDs areconfigured as two groups, string A and string B. The first group stringA has a first number of one or more LEDs, whereas the other group stringB has a second number of LEDs larger than the first number. Is this way,when string A is powered but B is not, the lamp exhibits a first lowpower light output; however, when string B is powered but A is not, thelamp exhibits a second somewhat higher power light output. Applyingpower simultaneously to both strings provides a third, highest powerlight output. Each of strings A and B are powered through individualcircuits similar to the circuitry of FIG. 12, although the circuitrysupplying power to string A connects to the tip 325 and neutral contact327, whereas the circuitry for supplying power to string B connects tothe contact ring 329 and neutral contact 327. The three-way operation ofthe circuit of FIG. 15 is similar to that of FIG. 14 except that in theexample of FIG. 15 power is converted to an appropriate DC level priorto application thereof to each respective string of LEDs.

Another approach would provide three-way operation, in response to thestandard three-way switch settings/inputs, but using a single seriesconnected string of LEDs.

Hence, FIG. 16 shows another LED and circuit arrangement for a three-waydimming lamp, but using a single string of LEDs driven in common, wherethe circuitry converts AC to DC but also is responsive to conventionalthree-way input switch settings to set corresponding drive levels fordriving the LED string.

The tip 325 connects one side of the AC line through an inductor filterA to one node of a first four diode bridge rectifier BR1, and theneutral outer AC contact at 327 connects the other side of the AC lineto the opposite node of the bridge rectifier BR1. The other two nodes ofthe first bridge rectifier BR1 connect to a diode D1 and ground. Thelamp socket ring connector 329 connects one side of the AC line throughan inductor filter B to one node of a four diode bridge rectifier BR2,and the neutral outer AC contact at 327 connects the other side of theAC line to the opposite node of the bridge rectifier BR2. The exemplarycircuit also includes a protection fuse F1. The other two nodes of thesecond bridge rectifier BR2 connect to a diode D2 and ground. Bothdiodes D1, D2 and a capacitor C1 connect to the DC input of a LEDdriver. In this way, power is supplied to the driver in all three switchstates of the lamp socket. In each state, the DC power input to the LEDdriver is a regulated DC voltage.

The single driver (FIG. 16) uses opto isolators U1 and U2 to distinguishthe various positions of the three-way socket switch. BR1, D1, BR2, D2keep the driver voltage separate to allow sensing of the mechanicalthree-way socket switch positions.

Opto isolator U1 provides a control signal input whenever power isapplied across the tip 325 and the neutral contact 327 to BR1, that isto say in the low and high switch states. Opto isolator U2 provides acontrol signal input whenever power is applied across the socket ringcontact 329 and the neutral contact 327 to BR2, that is to say in themedium and high switch states. In this example, the LED driverimplements logic to recognize the three switch states from the controlsignals from U1 and U2 and variably control the DC current applied todrive the LED string accordingly. The driver adjusts the output currentthrough the single string of LEDs depending on the combination of thecurrent select inputs A and B. In this way, the circuitry of FIG. 16 isconfigured to detect standard three-way control setting inputs and toadjust the common drive of the single group LEDs to producecorresponding light levels for the output for the lamp. To a user orperson in the illuminated area, the lamp using the circuitry of FIG. 16would appear to operate in exactly the same manner as lamps usingcircuitry like those of FIGS. 14 and 15.

The circuitry examples are not exhaustive. Other circuit configurationsmay be used in the lamps discussed herein. Also, other elements may beadded, for example, sensors to provide intelligent control. An ambientlight sensor, for example, might adjust the lamp output intensityinversely in response to ambient light levels. When on, bright daylightaround the lamp would cause the lamp to dim down or turn off to conservepower.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modificationsmay be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may beapplied in numerous applications, only some of which have been describedherein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allapplications, modifications and variations that fall within the truescope of the present teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light engine, comprising: a solid state sourcecomprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs); a lightingindustry standard lamp base, including connectors arranged in a standardthree-way lamp configuration, for providing electricity from a three-waylamp socket; a housing mechanically connected to the lamp base; andcircuitry in the housing connected to receive electricity from theconnectors of the lamp base as standard three-way control setting inputsand to drive the LEDs, wherein the circuitry is configured to detect thestandard three-way control setting inputs and to adjust the drive to theLEDs to selectively produce a plurality of different outputs responsiveto the three-way control setting inputs.
 2. The light engine of claim 1,wherein the circuitry is configured to convert alternating currentelectricity provided through the lamp base to direct current electricityand is connected to the LEDs to drive the LEDs with the direct currentelectricity.
 3. The light engine of claim 1, further comprising: a heatsink; and a thermal interface for transfer of heat from the LEDs to theheat sink.
 4. The light engine of claim 3, wherein at least the thermalinterface is within the housing.
 5. The light engine of claim 1, whereinthe circuitry comprises: logic to recognize the switch states of thethree-way control setting inputs; and a driver responsive to recognitionof switch state of the three-way control setting inputs by the logic tocontrol the current applied to drive the LEDs to adjust output of theLEDs depending on the recognized switch state.
 6. The light engine ofclaim 5, wherein the logic and/or the driver are configured to adjustthe drive to the LEDs to selectively produce different output levelscorresponding to the three-way control setting inputs.
 7. The lightengine of claim 5, wherein the LEDs are configured to form: a firststring comprising a first number of one or more LEDs driven in common bythe circuitry; and a second string comprising a second number of LEDslarger than the first number driven in common by the circuitry.
 8. Thelight engine of claim 7, wherein the logic and/or driver are configuredto adjust the drive to the first and second strings of LEDs toselectively produce different output levels corresponding to thethree-way control setting inputs.
 9. The light engine of claim 1,wherein: the LEDs are configured to form: a first string comprising afirst number of one or more LEDs driven in common by the circuitry; anda second string comprising a second number of LEDs larger than the firstnumber driven in common by the circuitry; the circuitry comprises: logicto recognize the switch states of the three-way control setting inputs;and a first driver and a second driver responsive to recognition ofswitch state of the three-way control setting inputs by the logic tocontrol the current applied to drive the first and second strings ofLEDs to adjust output of the first and second strings of LEDs dependingon the recognized switch state; and the logic and/or drivers areconfigured to adjust the drive to the first and second strings of LEDsto selectively produce different output levels corresponding to thethree-way control setting inputs.
 10. The light engine of claim 1,wherein: the LEDs are connected together with each other to form asingle commonly driven solid state light source; the circuitrycomprises: logic to recognize the switch states of the three-way controlsetting inputs; and a driver responsive to recognition of switch stateof the three-way control setting inputs by the logic to control thecurrent applied to drive the LEDs to adjust output of the LEDs dependingon the recognized switch state; and the logic and/or drivers areconfigured to commonly drive the LEDs of the solid state light sourcetogether as a group to selectively produce different output levelscorresponding to the three-way control setting inputs.
 11. The lightengine of claim 1, wherein: the solid state source is configured tocause a visible light output via a bulb; and the housing is configuredto support the bulb in a position to receive electromagnetic energy fromthe solid state source.
 12. A light engine, comprising: light emittingdiodes (LEDs) configured to form a solid state light source; a heatsink; a thermal interface for transfer of heat from the LEDs to the heatsink; a lighting industry standard lamp base for providing electricityfrom a lamp socket, the lamp base including connectors arranged in astandard three-way lamp configuration, for providing electricity from athree-way lamp socket; and circuitry, housed as part of the light engineand connected to receive electricity from the lamp base, configured todetect the standard three-way control setting inputs and to adjust thedrive to the LEDs to selectively produce a plurality of different outputlevels responsive to the three-way control setting inputs.
 13. The lightengine of claim 12, wherein the circuitry is configured to convertalternating current electricity provided through the lamp base to directcurrent electricity and is connected to drive the LEDs with the directcurrent electricity.
 14. The light engine of claim 12, wherein thecircuitry comprises: logic to recognize the switch states of thethree-way control setting inputs; and a driver responsive to recognitionof switch state of the three-way control setting inputs by the logic tocontrol current applied to drive the LEDs to adjust output level of theLEDs depending on the recognized switch state.
 15. The light engine ofclaim 14, wherein the logic and/or the driver are configured to adjustthe drive to the LEDs to selectively produce three different outputlevels corresponding to the three-way control setting inputs.
 16. Thelight engine of claim 14, wherein the LEDs are configured to form: afirst string comprising a first number of one or more LEDs driven incommon by the circuitry; and a second string comprising a second numberof LEDs larger than the first number driven in common by the circuitry.17. The light engine of claim 16, wherein the logic and/or driver areconfigured to adjust the drive to the first and second strings of LEDsto selectively produce different output levels corresponding to thethree-way control setting inputs.
 18. The light engine of claim 12,wherein: the LEDs are configured to form: a first string comprising afirst number of one or more LEDs driven in common by the circuitry; anda second string comprising a second number of LEDs larger than the firstnumber driven in common by the circuitry; the circuitry comprises: logicto recognize the switch states of the three-way control setting inputs;and a first driver and a second driver responsive to recognition ofswitch state of the three-way control setting inputs by the logic tocontrol the current applied to drive the first and second strings ofLEDs to adjust output of the first and second strings of LEDs dependingon the recognized switch state; and the logic and/or drivers areconfigured to adjust the drive to the first and second strings of LEDsto selectively produce different output levels corresponding to thethree-way control setting inputs.
 19. The light engine of claim 12,wherein: the LEDs are connected together with each other to form asingle commonly driven solid state light source; the circuitrycomprises: logic to recognize the switch states of the three-way controlsetting inputs; and a driver responsive to recognition of switch stateof the three-way control setting inputs by the logic to control thecurrent applied to drive the LEDs to adjust output of the LEDs dependingon the recognized switch state; and the logic and/or drivers areconfigured to commonly drive the LEDs of the solid state light sourcetogether as a group to selectively produce different output levelscorresponding to the three-way control setting inputs.
 20. A lamp forproducing visible light, comprising: a bulb; and a light enginecomprising: a solid state source comprising a plurality of lightemitting diodes (LEDs), configured to cause the lamp to emit a visiblelight output via the bulb; a lighting industry standard lamp base,including connectors arranged in a standard three-way lampconfiguration, for providing electricity from a three-way lamp socket; ahousing supporting the bulb in a position to receive electromagneticenergy from the solid state source, the housing being mechanicallyconnected to the lamp base; and circuitry in the housing connected toreceive electricity from the connectors of the lamp base as standardthree-way control setting inputs and to drive the LEDs, wherein thecircuitry is configured to detect the standard three-way control settinginputs and to adjust the drive to the LEDs to selectively produce aplurality of different visible light outputs of the lamp via the bulbresponsive to the three-way control setting inputs.
 21. The lamp ofclaim 20, wherein the light engine further comprises: a heat sink; and athermal interface for transfer of heat from the LEDs to the heat sink.22. The lamp of claim 21, wherein at least the thermal interface iswithin the housing.
 23. The lamp of claim 20, wherein: the circuitrycomprises: logic to recognize switch states of the three-way controlsetting inputs; and a driver responsive to recognition of switch stateof the three-way control setting inputs by the logic to control currentapplied to drive the LEDs to adjust output of the LEDs depending on therecognized switch state; and the logic and/or the driver are configuredto adjust the drive to the LEDs to selectively produce different lightoutput levels for the visible light output of the lamp via the bulbcorresponding to the three-way control setting inputs.